"Look Mom, she's Chinese!"

For close to a year now, Lindy has been able to recognize Asian people (she thinks they are all Chinese). I first remember her pointing it out in Schlotzky's and the grocery store. Then she noticed people on TV--first broadcasts regarding China on the nightly news, then Sandra Oh on a Grey's Anatomy trailer, then a contestant on Wheel of Fortune. She's even pointed it out in caricature drawings. She's not at all bashful about letting me know when she spots someone of Asian descent. She'll say FULL volume, "Look Mom, she's/he's Chinese like me!" Yep, the embarrassing kid comments are alive and well...

There are a couple interesting things about her fascination with Asian people...

1. Don and I haven't really placed much emphasis on her being Chinese or from China. While we are not ashamed of the fact that she is Chinese, it just hasn't been a big topic of discussion. A lot of it is because she's only two. When we look at Lindy, we just see our daughter not our Chinese daughter. We know it will definitely come up more in the future, though, and we'll handle the various issues as they come.

2. There isn't a huge Asian population where we live. Up until recently, the only Asian friends she's had have been pictures on blogs and the refrigerator.

So, while I don't know where she learned to be so in tune with Asians, it is there. Somehow, I think it must be kind of important to her.

Recently, Lindy was blessed to meet these two little beauties, Libby(left) and Maliah(right).

When she talks about her new friends "Wibby" and "Mawiah," she makes sure to point out they are Chinese.

These three are very active, very social, and funny little spitfires!

It is fun watching them play together and I am hopeful they will continue to be friends as they grow and get older.

Celebrating Gotcha Day

Me on the red couch at the White Swan right before coming home




Me on the eggplant couch at home almost two years later

Yesterday we celebrated my second Gotcha Day. I asked Mommy if it was my birthday and she said Gotcha Day is a special day kind of like a birthday. It is the celebration of the day we finally met in China. Today, April 4th, is the day we officially became a family forever.




First picture with Daddy

Forever his girl

Unfortunately, we didn't have a lot of time to celebrate as a family last night because Daddy had an important meeting. However, Mommy made sweet and sour chicken with rice, as well as egg drop soup. Mommy promised me she'll make me some dumplings another time. I can't wait!!!

Dinner was okay but dessert was THE BEST!!! Mommy brought home an ice cream cake that was DELICIOUS. It was called Peanut Butter Playground. I could play at that playground ALL day long!!!

To wrap up the night, Mommy read I Love You Like Crazy Cakes. Actually, I told the story. She CRIES every time she reads that book and Shaoey and Dot, too. Not really sure why. She tells me one day I'll understand...

Thanks for letting me tell you about my special day!

Love,

Lindy Li-Xiao

Take me out to the ballgame...

Yesterday afternoon I took Lindy to her first baseball game. We joined our friend, Carolyn, to cheer on the high school team her husband coaches and her son (Lindy's "boyfriend") plays for. Lindy spent a lot of the time eating ballpark food; however, she checked in occasionally to watch the game and cheer for the players. The weather was so pleasant and the Mavs won, which was great!

Despite her inability to stay put, I have a feeling this was the first of many baseball games for Lindy. Her daddy spent many years playing baseball and her mommy was the team scorekeeper/manager for the baseball team throughout high school. Her Grandpa is waiting to take her to a Kansas City Royals game someday, I bet, too.

Here are a few pictures of our outing to the ballpark. If you click on the pictures, they should appear larger...

Play ball!

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Ordinary and extraordinary

Dear Lindy,

Today was a typical busy Saturday. When I think about it, there wasn't one thing extraordinary for us. We ate at home, ran errands, played, read books, you watched Cinderella, and Mommy and Daddy tried to tackle the never-ending "To-Do" list. Some would call it a boring day. We call it a day in the life.

Two years ago today was not at all a boring day for us. It was the day we boarded a plane to go to China to bring you home. I remember being so excited I couldn't sleep, read, or watch the in-flight movies. That made for a VERY long trip. Poor Daddy was in the middle seat sitting next to a drunk guy who was causing trouble. He had an even LONGER trip.

There are days that are so ordinary, they just kind of blend into the next day and really aren't too memorable. March 29, 2008 is definitely one of them! Then there are extraordinary days you want to hang onto forever and remember every detail of them. March 29, 2006 and the days following are definitely those types of days!

This week we will celebrate you being our daughter for two years. I look forward to celebrating the memories we've created and can't wait to see what the future holds for us.

Love,
Mommy

Easter 2008

We had a nice day yesterday, although Don was sick and not at 100%. After church we shared Easter dinner with the Brown family--a special tradition. When I went into her room at 7:45 to wake her up, I asked, "Do you know what day it is today?" She usually answers, "Sunday." Yesterday she answered, "Easter." Lindy was quite excited to find out the Easter Bunny had come to visit. She didn't seem to notice the cool pink vacuum he left because she was too concerned with the candy. By the end of the day I was tired from telling her, "No, you can't have any more candy..." She is not very good at letting "no" be the end of the conversation. RELENTLESS, that one!

She had fun hunting eggs in the Brown's backyard and even more fun eating the M & Ms.

Here are some pictures of the day...

A look at past Easters

The first Sunday after we brought Lindy home in April 2006 was Easter. I was really torn about whether we should take Lindy to church but Don insisted. If I remember correctly, she did really well and the people around us were quite forgiving! Looking at these pictures, I can't believe how little she was. She had chubby little wrists and thighs and that toothy grin and cheesy, squinty smile cracked us up.

In 2007 it was very cold (for south Texas) and rainy, so she didn't get to wear the first two dresses I had chosen for her. We also had to hide eggs inside. We hadn't even told her she was going to hunt for eggs or the purpose of the basket but it must've been instinctive. We handed her the basket and in moments she had gathered all the eggs. Believe me, she's NOT that ambitious or efficient when it comes to cleaning her room!

Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler and possibly rainy, so I'm already choosing plan B for her dress. I am looking forward to her enjoying the day and I already know she'll be thrilled there is candy involved...

Happy Easter!

Festive Friday

I'll admit it, I have issues when it comes to doing arts and crafts with Lindy. First, unfortunately I am not very gifted in this area, so I feel a bit inept. I want to do stuff but sometimes I just don't know where to begin. Second, I am always worried about the mess. Third, my nature to want to control situations rears its head, even when it doesn't matter. If Lindy wants to color the moon green, why can't she? She's two. The whole process makes me kind of nervous. I know that probably sounds silly but it is true.

However, I was watching Super Nanny the other night (go ahead and laugh) and it was so obvious the parents weren't doing anything with their kids. It was sad. These miserably, atrociously behaved kids were crying out for interaction with their parents and they really didn't get much. It was quite sad. It reminded me how important it is to take time to do fun stuff with her, even if it is messy and a bit out of my comfort zone.

So, today we decorated Easter eggs. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I did this. She was so excited and I tried to be laid back about the process. We didn't even get that dirty. I guess she liked it because she said, "I love you Mommy. You're my best friend" over and over.

Here are some pictures...

Happy Spring

How did Lindy celebrate the first day of spring? By blowing lots and lots of bubbles in the backyard.

Look out Eva Longoria Parker

This overheard during the last few minutes of the Spurs game yesterday:

Mommy: "Go! GO!!! GOOOO!!! C'mon Tony..."

Lindy: "Go! GO!!! GOOOOO!!!! C'mon Tony. He's sooooo cute."

Mommy: "What? You think Tony Parker is cute?"

Lindy: "Yes."

Not sure where that came from. I keep reminding myself that she also thinks babies, kittens, and puppies are cute, too. Hopefully it will stay like that for(ever) a long time and she'll stay away from NBA players.

I apologize to any readers who have no idea what this post was about.

Trip to the zoo

Last Wednesday Lindy and I joined some friends of ours for our first trip to the zoo this year. Now those of you in cooler climates please know I'm not trying to taunt you. It was 92 degrees here last Monday and I detested it!!! Your beautiful days are coming and I'm in fear of what our spring and summer will hold. Anyway, just have to share one story...

We were visiting the Africa section of the zoo and stopped by to visit the black rhino. She was in a pit about four feet below us. I hoisted Lindy up on top of the wall to see the rhino. Lindy was a bit fidgety and more interested in her friend's snack than the rhino. Since she wasn't interested, I put her back in her stroller. I must make a disclaimer right here that I wasn't pulling a Michael Jackson move and dangling my child over a steep edge!!! At the same moment I put Lindy down, I heard something hit the ground, noticed my child had only a sock on her right foot, and heard Lindy say, "uh-oh." Sure enough, I looked over the pit and there was Lindy's shoe in the rhino pit. GREAT!!! Now what???

Mrs. Rhino suddenly aware of something in her pit shuffles toward the shoe and picks up the shoe with her mouth. I am frozen with fear and contend I am not the best in "crisis" situations. I am envisioning the 6:00 news..."A black rhino at the zoo passed away this afternoon after eating a two year old's shoe." I am begging the rhino not to swallow the shoe. I really think she picked it up in an effort to give it back. It didn't work, so she put it back down. Meanwhile, Lindy is hysterically screaming, "Hippo is eating my shoe. Hippo is eating my shoe." Not sure why but all I could think to tell her is that it was a rhino not a hippo. Way to pull out the maternal instincts, Lisa!!! All of a sudden, I am aware of a small crowd gathering around the rhino pit and my screaming child. "NOTHING TO SEE HERE FOLKS!!!"

After a few moments, someone tracked down the rhino's caretaker and she retrieved the shoe. The shoe was fine, the rhino was fine, and Lindy calmed down and learned the difference between the hippo and rhino...

Of course, in my paralysis to act, I didn't take any pictures of the event but I did capture a couple of the day.

And people wonder why I don't fill my days with excursions and activities...

Lindy loved the fish exhibit...

Thinking maybe we should stick to safer things like feeding the ducks and birds!

Lindy's first shower

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

On Sunday Lindy went to her first shower--a bridal shower. The shower was for a very special person--Miss Tamra. Miss Tamra is our church's Children's Minister and she makes sure there are teachers for all the kiddos, curriculum, ongoing fun and spiritual activities, and so many other important things. She is a blessing to each and every child she comes in contact with and it is obvious God has given her such a great gift and love for working with children.

Lindy loves "Miss Camera" and keeps talking about how she's getting married. We're very thrilled to celebrate this special time in her life!

Here are a couple shots of the fun shower...

Lots of girl time

We had a great--although too short--visit with Grandma & Grandpa the past couple of days. Grandpa had a quick conference to attend downtown and Grandma got to come along to play. What a special treat!!! Since the boys had to work, the girls just spent a couple of days hanging out shopping, eating, talking, and laughing.

Lindy really looks forward to being with her grandparents and fondly talks about previous times they've been together. She has an incredible memory and amazes us when she talks about minute details that have made such an impression on her.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye today but hopefully it won't be long until we're together for more fun again.

Here are just a few shots of our brief time together...

Primping with Grandma in the bathroom...What a lovely new dress!

Grandma's turn to have her hair brushed.

Lovin' on each other...

Only got one shot of Grandpa and his girl...

Please don't go...Pleeeaaaaasssseeee!!!

Little ears, big ears...

It is Lindy's blog, so it is time for another Lindy story...

The other night at church Preacher Mark (one of Lindy's favorite people) was talking about our giants. He was using the story of David and Goliath as the basis. Lindy seemed to be completely immersed with her activity but every once in a while she'd hear Mark say, "David," "slingshot," "five stones," "giant," "Goliath," or "Bethlehem," and she'd repeat them full voice--and I do mean FULL voice. We would whisper to her and confirm Mark was telling the story about David and Goliath to which she would mimic twirling a sling, act out a rock hitting the giant between the eyes, and then pretend to fall over as she was hit.

Yesterday, as I was preparing dinner, I had some Bible songs on for her. A song (I had never heard) came on about David and Goliath and as soon as she heard it she said, "Mommy a song about David and Goliath, just like Mark." What??

Of course I was a little shocked and amazed both times that she was listening and acknowledge I am proud of her. However, does this ever serve as a reminder to me as a parent. I might think this little thing who is in constant motion is not listening or paying attention but I am SO wrong. I need to remember to always be on guard and do the right thing because those little ears are really not so little and I'm thinking those eyes are seeing everything, too.

Happy Valentine's Day

Hi family & friends~

Hope you have a happy day filled with love!

Love,

Lindy

The reviews are in...

...and this two year old gives Ni Hao Kai-Lan two thumbs up.

For those wondering, Ni Hao Kai-Lan is a new cartoon just launched this week on Nick Jr. Kai-Lan is supposedly going to do for Mandarin what Dora and Diego did for Spanish. Lindy was begging for Kai-Lan on Friday morning after watching the debut on Thursday, so I think it was a hit. I would love to pick up a few Mandarin words here and there but honestly, I think they need subtitles so I can see the words when they say them because I wasn't able to distinguish anything and, unlike the romance languages, you can't even begin to derive what they are or mean or how they sound...Then again, the show isn't for me...Maybe Lindy will pick up things I don't...

Our material girl

Quick Lindy story...

We are still trying to potty train Miss Lindy Li. A lot of people have told me not to worry about it and that it'll happen when it is supposed to. Thing is, I know she could've been trained a long time ago but it hasn't happened mainly because she is stubborn and our approach has been a bit too laid back. We're being played and manipulated. OUCH!!!

So, we've really stepped up the process and things have been going pretty well except for the fact that she won't do #2 (sorry) any time but her nap or overnight. This brings great frustration to us. We've tried a variety of approaches but nothing seems to motivate her. A few days ago, I was telling her that once she gets out of diapers, we will have a lot more money to put in her piggy bank. I told her we could celebrate her being trained by letting her take some money out of the "spend" slot of her bank to buy a special treat. I was really talking it up, trying to be excited, trying to get her pumped. Then I asked a kid who has never once been taken shopping for a treat and probably has little idea of what I was trying to convey what she might want to buy. I asked, "Would you like a new book or maybe a new doll?" Her reply was simply, "No. I want diamonds..."

Can you see me shaking my head in disbelief?

Name that tune

"Spring is here, spring is here, it's the best time of the year."

That's what Lindy was singing when I got her up from her nap yesterday--over and over and over again. While I think she's quite intelligent, I'm pretty sure she's not composing her own poetry or songs yet. Funny thing is, it was close to 80 degrees yesterday and very appropriate.

Anyone recognize where that little diddy came from???

P.S. Please don't judge me for not knowing what my daughter is listening to. :o)

Update: Yea for special friends Katie & Olivia who knew this came from Little Bill...I guess somehow I was milling around too much to have seen this episode...Thanks girls!!! xoxo

Almost Heaven

One of the Christmas presents I got for Lindy was the book Take Me Home, Country Roads. Don doesn't know this, but it really was more for him than Lindy. Don is a BIG John Denver fan and I thought he'd enjoy reading and singing this with his sweet little girl.

It definitely has been a hit for both of them and I reap the wonderful benefits, too. Because I am technically challenged, I cannot share a video clip of these special father/daughter moments; however, trust me when I say it is, as the song says, "almost Heaven."

What music to my ears to hear the two of them singing this fun song and then hearing Lindy through the baby monitor singing it (FULL VOICE) from her crib.

Couldn't resist posting these pictures, even though you really have to hear her to get the full sweetness of it.

An award for me???

To my surprise, this morning I discovered Linette had bestowed a blog award to me. If you're not a blogger, you might not know from time to time "awards" are created and given to other bloggers. There isn't cash or any fabulous gifts involved; instead, it is just an affirmation that someone out there appreciates the time and energy you spend on your blog. Thank you, Linette, for recognizing mine. I am so glad we've become friends and I look forward to watching our friendship grow.

Xandra from Heart of Service created this award to honor those blogs that are "must reads." In her own words: "So here's to all the blogs that you've discovered that you can't possibly live without. They make you laugh, cry, think and feel connected every time you read a post. They give you a thrill as you see them loading into your browser and you get an equally satisfying thrill when you see that they have commented on your blog."

About two years Don created this blog for us to journal our trip to China to bring home Lindy. It was also for friends and family to follow our journey. I barely knew what a blog was and there weren't too many of them around at the time. Since then, the blog world has exploded and I admit it has become a regular part of my life. Not all the blogs I read have to do with adoption but most of them do. I realize looking in on the lives of "strangers" and having them look in on mine is kind of weird to some people. However, I can honestly say I've "met" some of the kindest, sweetest, most encouraging women through the blogging world and our common thread of adoption.

I want to pass this along to three women whom I admire and am blessed to call friend:

Heather at Our Little Ladybugs. Heather has such an amazing heart. She is passionate about being a mom and gives so much of herself to serving others. She and I became fast friends in the fall of 2007. It feels like we've always known each other and we frequently joke about how we "miss" one another, although we've never met. I can't say enough great things about Heather and she wouldn't want me to brag on her too much, either. I just know I am glad God has brought this incredible friend into my life.

Diana at First a Pearl...Then a Ruby. I first got to know Di in late 2005 when she joined a prayer group I was part of. We've prayed together, laughed, cried, and cheered one another on. One of the best things for me in 2007 was meeting her and her hubby, getting the call from her about their referral of Ruby Mei, and then watching them bring home their sweet girl. Diana is a loving friend, encourager, and sweet big sister. I am so grateful knowing Diana is faithfully praying for us as we wait to bring home our next daughter. She is my cheerleader!

Jennifer at Our Karleigh Mei. I recently stumbled across Jenn's blog and through a little detective work figured out we live close by. We've met one time and I can't wait for us to get together again so we can get to know each other better. (Lindy was a bit of a stinker during our first meeting.) It didn't take me long to figure out I was going to like Jenn! She is so kind, patient, and has such a sweet spirit. Jennifer has four biological children and they are waiting to bring home Karleigh Mei. I look forward to sharing the journey to our daughters together.

There are many other blogs I read and love but for obvious reasons I can't cite them all here. I want you to know, though, I am grateful for the encouragement and support I receive from all my special blog buddies.

Many blessings!!!
Lisa